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The Banks Peninsula Track~ NZ's original private walking track ~ established in 1989 and still 100% locally owned and operated ~

mapThe Banks Peninsula Track near Akaroa has enchanted and delighted visitors for over twenty years. Its unique blend of whimsical and historical accommodation and a stunningly diverse track route is combined with plenty of other opportunities, like penguin watching and kayaking, to make it one of the most enjoyable walking holidays you could have in New Zealand.

Our self-guided walks are great value - offering you many of the comforts of guided walks combined with the independence of the freedom walker. Whether you are a first time walker, or an experienced hiker or tramper, our two options are designed to let you choose the way you like to walk!

Please view a brief summary of our walks in the menu above or go direct to four day or two day for the full details. These pages include pack cartage and food options, 'what you need', as well as track route, accommodation, prices and itinerary.
Or visit one of our other pages in the menu below.

The Banks Peninsula Track four day walk is one of New Zealand's great walking holidays. It gives you the time to hike the side tracks, watch the birds and wildlife, swim, sunbathe, read, play games, beachcomb ... to explore more or to relax in beautiful surroundings.

walkers on Banks Peninsula Track The leisurely pace of this walk makes it an option open to all age groups. It is also excellent as a 'first tramp' for the novice walker; or as a first or last tramp for the visitor flying to or from Christchurch airport. It is easy to arrange with free car parking, free bus to start, informative guide booklet, hot showers, good food and drink and pack cartage options and also includes the free penguin tour (spring/early summer) and kayaking option.

With our limit of 12 walkers per day, it is never crowded on the track or at your accommodation.

View all the four day walk details.

The Banks Peninsula Track is one of the most spectacular two day walks in New Zealand. Easy to organise, it combines hill and coastal walking at their best, making this a great option for a short break for those who like to spend much of their day tramping.

walkers on Banks Peninsula Track A high level of fitness is required as the 35 kms includes a lot of hill walking, and the Track climbs from sea level to over 600m twice, and features rugged exposed headlands. It can be done with a light pack by taking advantage of the 'Bush Cafe' on night one, and the trampers' shop at Stony Bay on night two.

All facilities are available, whether you're staying the night or just passing by. The two day track is limited to just 4 walkers per day, but single groups of up to 6 may be accommodated by contacting us direct.

View all the two day walk details.

bookit button     To view availability and prices, just click the 'booknow' button here or on any page of our site.

(NB. The availability page opens in a new tab. Using the menu at the top of that page will take you into the 'official' bankstrack site. Return to this 'greenfolder' version by clicking back on the greenfolder tab, or simply close the 'availability' page/tab).

To make a booking, first check our availability guide and choose an available booking date for your number and package. You only need to have the start date available (this includes the other days/nights on either package). From there either continue with online booking, or send an e-mail enquiry to our office through the contact us panel.

Bookings are secured by a 10% deposit (non-refundable) with the balance payable 90 days before walking. For online bookings, the balance will be automatically debited from your card. For e-mail or phone bookings, you will be contacted prior to payment date.

NB. Your booking start date is the date of your 5.45pm bus pick-up. You start walking the day after. This means you need two days following your start night. For example, a Monday night start will mean you stay Tuesday night at Stony Bay and reach Akaroa around 3.00pm on Wednesday.

(NB. The availability page opens in a new tab. Using the menu at the top of the page will take you into the 'official' bankstrack site. Return to this 'greenfolder' version by clicking back on the greenfolder tab, or simply close the 'availability' page/tab).

Refund policy:
A 90% refund will be made when at least 28 days notice is given.
A 50% refund will be made when at least 7 days notice is given, otherwise payment is forfeited.
Cancelled bookings may be refilled.
Standby bookings are non refundable.

E - mail        bankstrack@xtra.co.nz                        Website        www.bankstrack.co.nz

Phone         03 304 7612 - If you wish to speak to Mafi Gehrig, our office administrator, please leave message for call back.

Address       P.O.Box 54, Akaroa, Banks Peninsula, NZ.

The four day walk and two day walk information pages are available as print pages. They open in a separate tab/window. The topo map is a pdf.

Four day walk information

Two day walk information

Topo map of track route

Four day  12 per day  $215 off peak - $245 peak, per person 

Two day  4 per day  $143 off peak - $163 peak, per person

Season is 1st October - 27th April. Peak season is from Christmas to Easter 

A non-refundable standby price of $195 for four day, and $123 for two day, is available if walking within 5 days of booking.

Restrictions. Our walks are suitable for a wide range of walkers, but are not recommended for children under five years of age.

Your Track booking is for our 5.45pm track bus from Akaroa Information Centre to Onuku Farm. You stay there and start walking the following morning.

Free car parking for walkers is available at the BP Track car park at Mt Vernon Lodge. The carpark is also suitable for campervans. 
This is one kilometre up Rue Balguerie from the main crossroads at the Akaroa Information Centre, which is our bus departure point. At the top of Rue Balguerie, turn left on Purple Peak Rd, cross the bridge and take the left turn into Mt Vernon after fifty metres.

The walking route conveniently passes this carpark at Mt Vernon as you re-enter Akaroa at the end of your walk.
Allow 30 minutes for parking and walking back down to the Information Centre. 
TIP. Leave passenger(s) and packs at the Information Centre/Akaroa before parking to save carrying packs down to bus pickup.

Pack cartage details are best viewed through your chosen walk option page, following these links - four day - two day.

It is available as an option on the first and last of the four sections of Track.
These are the two longest sections and also those with most ascent and descent. Payment is by cash, no pre-booking required.

Additional luggage can be stored at Akaroa Information Centre for $5.00 during walk.

An option of full pack cartage exists for groups on the 4 day walk. The cost is $630 for up to 12 x 15kg maximum packs.
Fee includes carbon credit donation to Hinewai Reserve, as well as storage at Akaroa Info Centre. Must be booked in advance.

Food and Drink are best viewed through your chosen walk option page, following these links - four day - two day.

The Track is Self - catering, with the following options.

On your first evening a ten minute walk can take you to the 'Bush Cafe' for a  'Homecooked Dinner with Dessert' for $25. 
Operates for Banks Peninsula Track walkers from 1st October to 31st March.
It is run by Chris and Aya. Pre-bookings are essential, payment by cash. Phone 021 520 164  e-mail bushretreat@vodafone.net.nz

Drinks and Chocolate available at Flea Bay Cottage 

Trampers' shops en route at Stony Bay and Otanerito Beach are open to walkers whenever they arrive. They are well-stocked providing choice and quantity to cater for individuals or groups. Expect to pay prices roughly similar to a remote country dairy.

The Banks Peninsula Track is 35 kms of hill country walking.
Grade classifications.     Four day walk is moderate.    Two day walk is demanding.
Walking Distances and Estimated Times
Section 1 Onuku - Flea Bay 11 kms, 4-6 hrs
Section 2 Flea Bay - Stony Bay 8 kms, 2-4 hrs
Section 3 Stony Bay - Otanerito Beach 6 kms, 2-3 hrs
Section 4 Otanerito Beach - Akaroa 10 kms, 3-5 hrs
Four day walkers walk one section per day. Two day walkers walk two sections per day.
NB. Remember you start walking following your first nights accommodation, so you need either four or two days (depending on package) after your start date.

Onuku Farm Trampers' Hut     Flea Bay Cottage     Stony Bay Cottages     Otanerito Beach House

All walkers have access to the four accommodations - two day walkers have their overnight stays at Onuku and Stony Bay.
Facilities - What's Provided
All accommodations have fully equipped kitchens. This includes stoves, fridges, pans, cutlery, crockery, cleaning materials, t-towels, tin openers...etc. You do not need to bring any kitchen items. There are also outdoor barbecues available.
All accommodations have comfortable beds, (with pillows and clean pillowcases), woodstove heating, and bathroom facilities with hot showers and flush toilets.

Essential.
Backpack. Boots. Clothing including adequate outdoor clothing for all weather. Personal necessities (toiletries, medicines), towel.
Cash for shop and pack cartage payments. Sleeping bag.
Sleeping bags can be hired for $30 per trip. Hire should be arranged in advance (preferably by e-mail).

Recommended.
Torch, light indoor footwear, water bottle, swimwear, daypack (if using pack cartage). Food and Drink - please see panel.

General. Please note - most of the Track is outside cell phone coverage.

Regular bus services are provided (up to 3 per day) from Christchurch to Akaroa (and return) by

Akaroa Shuttle            0800 500 929

French Connection       0800 800 575

Taxi bus services are provided at good rates by

Outer bays tours           027 489 7200 e-mail pchandler@xtra.co.nz

Akaroa Tours and Taxi        027 695 6981 Rosemary Lyon e-mail rosemary@akaroanz.co.nz

All the bus/taxi services drop you off within 50m of Akaroa Information Centre.

Akaroa is a scenic 85km drive from Christchurch on State Highway 75. Leave Christchurch at the south eastern corner of Hagley Park along Lincoln Road. Allow 90 mins for the journey.

Petrol and refreshments are available at Tai Tapu, Little River, and Duvauchelle along the way, and Little River Gallery and Barrys Bay Cheese factory are well worth a visit.

Free Car parking (also suitable for campervans) for track walkers is provided at Mt Vernon Lodge - allow an additional 30 mins to walk to the Information Centre for bus pick-up. The end of your track walk will take you past Mt Vernon as you arrive at Akaroa.

Christchurch has an international airport with direct flights to all the major Australian cities as well as many other international destinations. As the major South Island airport, it also has good connecting flights to almost all other NZ destinations.
Outer bays tours offer the tracks bus, or a van for smaller groups, to charter for groups arriving in Christchurch. Paul can pick you up from the airport or city mid afternoon and deliver you to Akaroa, and return you to Christchurch/airport upon finishing the track. The cost is competitive with any other transport operator and the service convenient as the same bus takes you and your gear out to the first hut that night.


Van for up to 6 people - Bus for 7 to 16 people. 

Their charge is: Group up to 8 : $160 per trip each way ($320 return)
Group 8 - 12 : $200 per trip each way ($400 return).
It may be possible to consolidate your group with others. Please contact direct to arrange.
Paul Chandler e-mail pchandler@xtra.co.nz
Ph. (03) 304 7573. Cell ph. 027 489 7200.

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